Study Abroad

I am thinking about study abroad. What should I do?

• For more information about UC and non-UC options, you should visit the Berkeley Programs for Study Abroad office at 160 Stephens Hall. Then you should begin planning with your major adviser and a college adviser immediately.
  
  
• There are opportunities to study abroad for one semester or one year. For many students, the ideal time to study abroad is during their junior year; however, there are a variety of programs to meet the broad range of student needs and interests.
  
  
• Undergraduate students in the College of Letters and Science may study abroad as sophomores, juniors, or seniors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q - Can study abroad during my final semester delay my graduation?

A - Possibly.

Seniors who intend to graduate at the end of their UC or non-UC study abroad experience should be aware that the College strictly adheres to the ending dates of these programs to determine if students can graduate during that term or the following term with a backdate of their degree.   In order to graduate at the end of the study abroad term, all finals must be completed by the end of December for fall graduates, May for spring graduates, and August for summer graduates.  If the term ends later than those dates, the students will not graduate and must place themselves on the degree list for the following term.  For UC programs, students should check with the Berkeley Programs for Study Abroad  (160 Stephens Hall) to find out when a specific program ends for graduation purposes.  For non-UC programs, students should consult the sponsoring institution.

Seniors should also know that in the vast majority of cases, UC and non-UC study abroad course work is not posted to their records in time for the College to certify them for graduation.   If students need their study abroad course work for units and/or major requirements, or honors in general scholarship they will be dropped from the degree list if their course work is not posted in time.  However, if students do not need their study abroad course work to meet the minimum unit requirements or major requirements, they will be graduated.  Students whose study abroad programs end in accordance with the above months but whose course work was not posted in time, can be backdated to the term in which they expected to graduate.  Their degree, however, will be granted during the following term.

Q - Can courses taken abroad complete my college breadth or major requirements?

A - In many cases, yes. Prior to departure, check with a College Adviser for evaluation of possible breadth course credit and visit your major adviser for evaluation of possible major course credit.

Unit Requirement

Career Planning and Internships